Driver's License Reinstatement (FAQs)

Why is my driver’s license suspended or revoked?

The Tennessee Department of Safety may suspend your driver’s license for reasons such as truancy, frequent traffic violations, or failure to satisfy a traffic citation.

Even if you’ve never applied for a driver’s license, the Tennessee Department of Safety will track any driving violations by assigning you a driver’s license number and your license status will be classified as “suspended.” You must pay all fines and fees before getting a valid driver's license.

The Tennessee Department of Safety may revoke your driver’s license for reasons such as failure to provide proof of financial responsibility, non-payment of child support, non-payment of court costs within one year of disposition of any criminal case, and conviction for some offenses. Offenses that may trigger revocation of your license include Underage Consumption, DUI, Implied Consent Law Violation, Driving on Revoked or Suspended License, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Drag Racing, Vehicular Assault, and Vehicular Homicide.

If you are licensed to drive by a state other than Tennessee, the Tennessee Department of Safety is required to notify that state of any qualifying Tennessee violations under the Driver’s License Compact. The state that issued your license may suspend or revoke it based on the Tennessee violation.